COLUMBIA 24 CONTENDER
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 24 ft |
| LWL | 18.25 ft |
| Beam | 7.83 ft |
| Draft | 3.25 ft |
| Displacement | 3,600 lb |
| Ballast | 1,599.8 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 5.7 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Iforetriangle height | 30.1 ft |
| Jforetriangle base | 8.8 ft |
| Pmainsail luff | 27 ft |
| Emainsail foot | 11.5 ft |
| FLforestay | 8.8 ft |
| Mainsail | 300.1 sq ft |
| Jib (100%) | 132.4 sq ft |
| Spinnaker | 225.1 sq ft |
About the COLUMBIA 24 CONTENDER
The COLUMBIA 24, COLUMBIA CONTENDER 24, and COLUMBIA CHALLENGER 24, all have hulls that are the same or similar, and derive from the earlier ISLANDER 24.
The Columbia 24 Contender is a classic 24-foot masthead sloop designed by Columbia/McGlasson and built by Columbia Yachts (USA) between 1963 and 1968, with a total production of 330 hulls. This compact cruiser is characterized by its fin keel and moderate displacement of 3600.0 lb, offering a balance of performance and simplicity that has sustained a dedicated owner base for decades.
- Best for:
- This boat is ideally suited for coastal cruising and weekend getaways, particularly for couples or small families seeking a manageable, trailerable vessel with straightforward systems. Its compact size and moderate sail area make it accessible for novice sailors or those looking for a low-maintenance project with strong community support.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a displacement of 3600.0 lb and a capsize ratio of 2.05, the Columbia 24 Contender is primarily designed for coastal and protected waters rather than extended offshore passages. Its relatively light displacement and short waterline length limit its seakeeping ability in heavy weather, making it best suited for inshore cruising.
- Comparables:
- Comparable vessels from this era include the Pearson 24 and the O'Day 23, which share similar dimensions, trailerable footprints, and a focus on simple, robust construction for coastal use. These boats are comparable due to their similar displacement ranges and role as entry-level cruising sloops designed for ease of handling.
Performance
Market Price
Estimated Cost of Ownership
Based on 24ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
8 reported issues across 7 systems for the COLUMBIA 24 CONTENDER, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a COLUMBIA 24 CONTENDER? This is an in-depth report on the faults this model is known for — so you know exactly what to check when you walk the boat. For the price of a coffee.
- ✓ All 8 specific issues — severity, symptoms & fixes
- ✓ Model-specific pre-purchase inspection checklist
- ✓ Downloadable PDF to take to your surveyor — yours to keep
One-time $2.99 · secure checkout by Stripe · instant access · 30 days online, PDF yours to keep
Similar Sailboats
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Used sails that fit the COLUMBIA 24 CONTENDER
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